Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks

Episode 059

Released on: February 6, 2024

A book's cover design is crucial for making the right first impression on potential readers. But it can be challenging to evaluate your own cover objectively before publication. In this episode, Shanon discusses tips and a cool new AI-powered tool from eBook Fairs that analyzes book covers to grade their overall effectiveness. She tests out the free Book Cover Grader tool on some of her own book covers and shares the insights from its composition analysis, genre convention checks, and other ratings. Tune in to hear her experience with this automated cover critique tool and how it could help give you an unbiased "second opinion" on your cover design before release.

🐉Order your copy of A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://books2read.com/A-Curse-of-Scales-and-Feathers

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 eBook Fairs Book Cover Grader: https://ebookfairs.com/Home/Book-Cover-Grader

🌟 The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale

🌟 The Courtney Project: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCourtneyProject

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 058

Released on: February 1, 2024

In this episode, freelance writer, author, editor, and the education lead for Plottr, Troy Lambert talks about his long career of publishing books through multiple publishing paths and how he became knowledgeable about SEO. We got a chance to talk about his newest nonfiction release, The Pocket Guide to SEO for Authors. During our talk with him, he explains what SEO is and how an author can maximize their visibility. This includes our books on Amazon! Last, he talks about the myth of SEO and social media.

WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Idaho Writers Guild: https://idahowritersguild.org/

🌟 The Pocket Guide to SEO for Authors: https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Guide-Authors-Plot-Dude-ebook/dp/B0CB7RQN9N

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH TROY LAMBERT!

🌐 Troy Lambert’s Website: https://troylambertwrites.com/

CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 057

Released on: January 23, 2024

When setting up product pages and advertisements, keywords are crucial to being discovered. But should you use broad, generic terms or niche, tailored ones? In this episode, we dive into the ongoing discussion around broad versus niche keywords. We'll look at insights from Kindlepreneur's Dave Chesson to help unravel which is better for search visibility and sales. You'll come away with a clearer understanding of keyword selection strategy and how to leverage keywords for optimal exposure and revenue. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned author, this episode sheds light on the much-discussed question of broad versus niche keywords.

🐉Order your copy of A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://books2read.com/A-Curse-of-Scales-and-Feathers

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Bryan Cohen’s 5-Day Author Ad Profit Challenge: https://www.bestpageforward.net/getting-ready-for-the-5-day-amazon-ad-challenge/

🌟 Kindlepreneur’s “Keywords that Actually Sell Books: Broad vs Niche Keywords”: https://kindlepreneur.com/broad-vs-niche-keywords/

🌟 Kindlepreneur’s YouTube video, “Broad Vs Niche Kindle Keywords: Some just don't make money!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr5tL05pa4E&t=4s

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 056

Released on: January 15, 2024

In this episode, Esther Marie Andújar, YouTuber and paranormal romance author, shares with us how she uses subscription platforms like Kindle Vella, Kofi, and Patreon. She also gives us insight into the best tips when it comes to publishing on these platforms, plus why and how she includes bonuses for her followers on Kofi and Patreon. Last, she gives insight into what works for marketing these platforms and what type of marketing you might want to avoid.

WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Ben’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B5S4TZ2C/allbooks

🌟 Morgan’s Books: https://www.authormorganlee.com/books

🌟 Shanon’s Direct Sales: https://payhip.com/SDHuston

🌟 Beta Feature for Ingramspark: https://www.ingramspark.com/e-commerce-beta-sign-up

🌟 Preorder A CURSE OF SCALES & FEATHERS: https://books2read.com/A-Curse-of-Scales-and-Feathers

🌟 MARINA THE VAMPIRE: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0B5N98X51

🌟 Esther’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@esthermarieandujar

🌟 Subscriptions for Authors podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@subscriptionsforauthors

🌟 Authortube Writing Conference (AWC): https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/

🌟 AWC Stream Party! Highlighting AWC Presenters: MK Williams 🍿: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdFroPk5iCU

🌟 Esther’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.m.andujar/

🌟 Vertical Format Videos: A Beginner's Guide 😅: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwHfPFaiyD4

🌟 Esther’s Diversity Reading Services: https://www.esthermarieandujar.com/diversity-reader-service

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH ESTHER ANDÚJAR!

🌐 Esther’s website: https://www.esthermarieandujar.com/

🎥 Esther’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@esthermarieandujar

📷 Esther’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.m.andujar/

📎 All of Esther’s links: https://linktr.ee/e.m.andujar

CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 055

Released on: January 9, 2024

Do you want to maximize visibility and sales for your next book launch? Promotion stacking lines up multiple marketing activities around your release date to compound visibility and propel you up the charts. Tune in as I explain promo stacking, resources for strategy planning, and how this launch strategy can take your book release to the next level. I'll also share details from my own successful stacking campaigns and tips to optimize your book's debut. Don't miss this crucial launch strategy that uses strategic timing to amplify your book's launch impact.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Written Word Media’s “State of Indie Authorship in 2023”: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/survey-results-the-state-of-indie-authorship/#9

🌟 127+ Of The Top Free And Paid Book Promotion Services by Dave Chesson on the Kindlepreneur website: https://kindlepreneur.com/list-sites-promote-free-amazon-books/

🌟 The Best Book Promotion Sites in 2023 by David Gaughran: https://davidgaughran.com/best-promo-sites-books/

🌟 Best Book Promotion Sites 2023 by Paid Author: https://www.paidauthor.com/best-ebook-promotion-sites/

🌟 Written Word Media promotions: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 054

Released on: January 2, 2024

Are you looking to take your indie author game to the next level in 2024? In this podcast episode, Shanon shares her top podcasts that provide an invaluable education on all things self-publishing. She highlights the key shows that have helped her navigate the world of independent publishing, from writing craft to marketing tactics. Whether you're just starting out or already have books under your belt, tuning in regularly to the right podcasts can provide motivation, inspiration, and actionable advice. Join her as she discuss the pods that every indie author should have on their playlist if they want to find more readers and publish successfully.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 The Creative Penn podcast: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/

🌟 The Creative Penn podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecreativepenn

🌟 Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast: https://selfpublishingwithdale.com/index.php/podcast/

🌟 The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/selfpublishingwithdalepodcast

🌟 Subscriptions for Authors podcast: https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/podcasthome/

🌟 Subscriptions for Authors podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@subscriptionsforauthors

🌟 Wish I'd Known Then Podcast for Writers: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/

🌟 Wish I'd Known Then Podcast for Writers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wishidknownthenpodcast

🌟 Self Publishing Info with the SPA Girls podcast: https://www.selfpublishingauthorspodcast.com/

🌟 Self Publishing Info with the SPA Girls podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPAGirlsPodcast

🌟 My Imaginary Friends Podcast: https://lpenelope.com/podcast/

🌟 My Imaginary Friends Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leslyepenelope

🌟 Six Figure Authors Podcast: https://6figureauthors.com/

🌟 Six Figure Authors Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sixfigureauthorspodcast5297

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 053

Released on: December 26, 2023

An author's welcome email to new newsletter subscribers represents a valuable opportunity to make a great first impression. In this week's episode, Shanon share tips for crafting an effective and engaging welcome email to help build relationships with readers. She discusses why newsletters are so important for authors and explains how to tailor your message based on where subscribers signed up and the importance of making an authentic connection. She also covers including whitelisting instructions, simple calls to action, and unsubscribe options. Whether you're just starting a newsletter or want to improve your welcome message, this episode will help you welcome new subscribers in a way that resonates.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Statistics Source: https://optinmonster.com/email-marketing-statistics/

🌟 Sarra Cannon: https://sarracannon.com/

🌟 Shanon’s Newsletter Sign-up Page: https://subscribepage.io/sdhustonreaders

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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👉Whitelist Instructions:

To ensure my email with your free content gets to you, you'll want to whitelist my email address. To do that, click here for instructions, or reply to this email. (Replying should do the trick in case the instructions aren't updated for your particular email system. If you reply, let me know what you're reading right now and whether you recommend it or not. I'm always looking for new books to devour!)

👉Gmail Instructions:

I've been told by Gmail users that my emails sometimes end up under their "Promotions" or "Social" tabs. If this is the case with you, click and drag this email to your main inbox so you don't miss the one with your free books in it. As I mentioned, you can also reply to this email and that'll help get your books where they should go.

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 052

Released on: December 15, 2023

Previous podcast guests D.L. Tillery, Sako Tumi, and A.F. Stewart turn the tables on Shanon, Ben, and Morgan, asking them the questions they normally ask their guests.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR HOSTS!

D.L. TILLERY

▶ Website: https://www.authordltillery.com/

▶ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Tillery/e/B09CRDP37H

▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AuthorDLTillery

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLTillery/

▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordltillery/

▶ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/authordltillery

▶ https://www.twitch.tv/banongaming

SAKO TUMI / CASS VOIT

▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SakoTumiCassVoit

▶ Website: http://psychosako.wordpress.com

▶ https://www.behance.net/psychosako

▶ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flambeau-Cass-Voit-ebook/dp/B09T8YVHWN

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PsychoSakoStudios/

▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychosako/https://www.facebook.com/PsychoSakoStudios/

A.F. STEWART

▶ All A.F. Stewart’s Links: https://lnk.bio/AFStewart

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Watch D.L. Tillery’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/auP4ndczjnw

🌟 Watch Sako Tumi’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/auP4ndczjnw

🌟 Watch A.F. Stewart’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5vwn5mObyAA

🌟 Watch A.L. Knorr’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/quKmkCCrKbc

🌟 Watch Shanti Hershenson’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XqSmuQsCuZQ

🌟 Watch Robert G. Culp’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gg3M4ERGpfE

🌟 Watch Estelle Van de Velde’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AXsFcbZn2N4

🌟 Watch Inka York’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mxFrmyWRIuM

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 051

Released on: December 12, 2023

Drawing in an invested audience is vital for any author, but expensive marketing shouldn’t be the only path to reach more readers. This week’s podcast episode covers creative strategies from leveraging your own platforms to collaborating with fellow creators in order to grow your mailing list with compelling yet zero-cost reader magnets. You’ll learn why providing free value first is key before making any hard pitches, as well as discover websites that offer newsletter promotion services at no cost. Tune in to pick up easy-to-implement tips to start enticing signups immediately so you can nurture fans for the long run.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Voracious Readers Only: https://voraciousreadersonly.com/voracious-readers-only-author-sign-up/

🌟 LibraryThing: https://www.librarything.com/ner/howitworksofferer

🌟 My Book Cave: https://mybookcave.com/subscriber-magnet-services/

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt